S&W 44 Spec.

[mooner]

Gentlemem,
I have just obtained in trade a S&W model 624 in 44 spec. It is satin
stainless with target sights and a 61/2 inch barrel. I haven't been able
to find any information relating to this piece. Is this a rare model? How
many were made and what is its approx. worth? All information would
be appreciated.

                 MOONER

[Gregory]

Mooner
I just acquired one of these myself about a month ago.  I traded a Ruger blue Redhawk for mine.  Book value on the 624 is $325.  The stainless 624 was not made as a limited production run although they are no longer in the S&W catalog.  The blue Model 24, was made in limited numbers in the 1980's and has more collector value.
I'm very pleased with mine.

[DelGue]

Mooner
I have a S&W 24 in a 3"bbl.  It was a Lew Horton Special.  It's one of the Best firearms of the many that I have owned over the years.  I never liked the 624s w/ the 6 1/2" bbls.  To me they just seemed to long, atlease at the time.  Now I wished I still had them.

The last I remember reading (80s), the cylinders were heat treated the same as their .44 mags counterparts.  Therefore, it wasn't a problem to use heavy loads.  I get 1100'/s out of my 3" heavy loads, with no pressure signs.  This is w/a 240 gr lead bullet.  You'll want to switch over to the rubber Hogue's to be able to with stand the recoil...The 240s in the 800'/s are much more enjoyable to shoot.

The 24s in both 4" and 6 1/2" were limited runs.  S&W later saw the error of their preproduction ways, by stating that only so many were to be made.  The were inindated with orders, but because they stated the limited run, and had received complaints from wouldbe collectors that the 24s would loose their value if they continued with the run.  S&W officals elected to do a seperate run of 624s, only this time, unlimited.  

I don't remember how many were produced of either, but that would be interesting.  "Lew Horton" Dist. did 2 runs of 3"ers.  24s and 624s and if my memory serve me, it was 5000 of each flavor.

DelGuu

Endowment Life NRA Member, 2003

[securitysix]

Mooner, I've got one just like you describe.  Mine came with Pachmayr Presentation grips.  Mine was marked at $450 when I saw it at a gun show, I walked out the door with it after paying $400 cash.  

While the 624 may not be rare, they are hard to find.  Most folks who have them don't seem to want rid of them.

[les hemby]

i just put the 3'' lew horton special on lay-away at 325 so i guess i did pretty good also glad to hear they will take hotter loads. i have several 44mags and just fell in love with the looks and feel of this 624. hogues are in future for it. would anyone possibly have a hog load for one. thanks in advance

[skpp108]

Hi all, new to the forum here. Looks like a nice site. Lots of info. Beware that the 624 was subject to a recall by S&W years back due to metalurgical problems with the cylinder(I believe). Apparently affecting the lower ser. numbered guns. I have one on lay a way and can't wait to get it. However, while researching the gun on the internet, i discovered the situation. While my gun has been fired, I have no way of knowing if it was inspected. I hear tell that the box is marked with a red C if S&W inspected the gun per the recall. but if you don't have the box, you don't know cause they didn't mark the gun. You will need to call thier customer service dept and give them the serial number to find out if your gun was recalled. Not all of them were. I call them with my number and they said send it in. They sent me a prepaid Fed Ex label too. There is a S&W forum out there with more info (google search).  Good luck-

[les hemby]

hey thanks for info. when i get mine out i will certainly have it checked